B, S - December 18, 2020

SKIPJACK, BLACK

Scientific Name:

Euthynnus lineatus

Fish Group:

Tuna

Salt/Fresh:

Salt

Also Known As:

Little Tuna; False Albacore; Spotted Tuna; Mackerel Tuna; Skipjack; BLACK SKIPJACK;

Rating:

Countries:

Other Countries

United States

Description:

The Black Skipjack is a species of ray-finned bony fish in the family Scombridae. It belongs to the tribe Thunnini, better known as the tunas. It is often used as a bait for big-game fish. Its food value has mixed ratings, although it is of some commercial importance. Its flesh is dark red and the taste is strong.

How To Identify:

The Black Skipjack is characterized by its “tuna-like” appearance, dark blue back, silver flanks and belly, a series of 5 to 6 horizontal stripes that begin at the base of the dorsal fin and extend to the base of the caudal fin, and its characteristic and distinguishing black spots between the pelvic and pectoral fins.

This fish species might be confused with the Skipjack Tuna, the Eastern Pacific Bonito and the Striped Bonito.

How To Catch:

The Black Skipjack is commonly caught by anglers, usually while trolling or casting for other pelagic species. It can be caught by trolling or casting small whole baits or strip baits, or small lures like spoons, plugs and jigs. They are also used as bait for catching bigger fish, like Marlin.

Where Found:

Internationally

The Black Skipjack is endemic to the Eastern Pacific, and is found from San Simeon, California and the lower half of the Gulf of California to northern Peru, including all the offshore islands and Galápagos.

SKIPJACK, BLACK

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